While tooth loss is quite a common problem, it can be very problematic if left unaddressed. Losing one or more teeth not only affects the appearance of your smile, but can also impact your oral health and lead to wide range of issues. Over time, a missing tooth can lead to complications such as misaligned teeth, gum disease, and bone tissue loss. Also, the absence of teeth can make chewing and speaking more difficult. All these factors can have a profound effect on your overall health, confidence, and personal life.
What Are The Treatment Options For Replacing a Missing Tooth?
Whether your missing tooth is the result of an injury, severe tooth decay, or a genetic condition, you need to have it addressed as soon as possible. Fortunately, modern dentistry has presented us with a wide range of effective and affordable treatment options for missing teeth.
Here are some of the most common options:
Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial roots made of titanium that are surgically inserted into the jaw bone and upon which the replacement teeth are anchored.
Implants are generally the most preferred choice, and for good reasons. First, dental implants help restore the natural look and feel of real teeth. Secondly, implants provide support to the jaw bone and prevent bone reabsorption. They also help to preserve the adjacent teeth. Thirdly, if well taken care of, implants can last an entire lifetime, essentially serving as permanent solution to missing teeth.
Dentures
Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Dentures are among the most cost-effective treatment options.
There are two main types of dentures:
i) Partial dentures are typically used when the patient is missing one or a few teeth and the remaining teeth are healthy and natural. They have an acrylic or metal base and are designed to attach to the existing teeth using clasps
ii) Complete dentures are used when all teeth are missing in either jaw bone or both. They consist of a set of acrylic or porcelain artificial teeth affixed to a flesh-colored acrylic base that fits over the gums.
While dentures are cheaper and less invasive than implants or bridges, they may feel less comfortable and stable.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a viable option when there are teeth on either side of the missing tooth. As you might have deduced from the name, a dental bridge “bridges” the gap created by the missing tooth by anchoring an artificial tooth (made of gold, alloys, porcelain or a mixture of these materials) to the adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. A dental bridge is typically a permanent solution that stays in once inserted by a dentist.
It can be used to replace one or more missing teeth.
There are three main types of bridges: traditional, cantilever, and Maryland.
While all the options discussed above are effective ways of replacing missing teeth, it is always advisable to consult your dentist before making a final decision.